Alumanah Leads Seme Customs Fight Against Wildlife Trafficking, Rescues Live Sea Turtle

Victoria Silvanus

The Acting Customs Area Controller of Seme Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Norman Olisah Alumanah, has reaffirmed the Command's commitment to combating wildlife trafficking following the rescue of a live sea turtle abandoned along the Nigeria-Benin border.

The interception, which took place at about 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2026, involved officers on routine patrol along a footpath linking Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

According to the Command, officers spotted an individual carrying a suspicious sack. However, on noticing the approaching patrol team, the individual reportedly abandoned the sack and escaped into a nearby bush.

A search of the abandoned sack revealed a live Pacific Ridley Sea Turtle, also known as the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle.

The animal was immediately secured and handed over to the relevant wildlife authorities for proper care, rehabilitation and eventual release into its natural habitat.

Reacting to the interception, Alumanah described the operation as a demonstration of the vigilance, discipline and professionalism of officers, stressing that Nigeria's borders must not become channels for the illegal movement of endangered wildlife.


He noted that the Customs Service recognises wildlife trafficking as a serious environmental crime capable of threatening biodiversity, damaging ecosystems and undermining sustainable development.

Beyond the successful interception, the incident highlights the growing concerns surrounding the illegal exploitation of wildlife and the uncertain fate of animals transported across international borders.

Sea turtles play important roles in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. However, their survival continues to face threats from illegal hunting and trafficking, with some species targeted for their meat, eggs, shells and the exotic pet trade.

For the rescued turtle, the intervention by Customs officers offered a chance of survival and eventual return to its natural environment.

Alumanah called on residents of border communities to support the Command with credible intelligence, emphasising that the fight against wildlife trafficking requires the cooperation of security agencies and members of the public.

He also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Service for providing logistics and operational assets to strengthen the Command's enforcement capacity.

The Acting Controller further disclosed that the Command had intensified patrols, surveillance and intelligence gathering across its area of responsibility. He added that enforcement efforts would be complemented with stakeholder education and public sensitisation on the importance of endangered species and the legal consequences of their unauthorised trade.

Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which seeks to ensure that international wildlife trade does not threaten the survival of species. The country also domesticated the convention through the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act.

Although the suspected carrier escaped, the rescue of the turtle underscores the broader responsibility of border authorities in protecting not only Nigeria's territorial boundaries but also its natural resources.

Under Alumanah's leadership, the Seme Area Command says it remains committed to its core responsibilities of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, trade facilitation and border security, while extending its enforcement role to the protection of the environment and preservation of biodiversity.

Sometimes, the success of a border operation is not measured by the value of goods seized or revenue recovered, but by the life saved and the future protected.

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